Kevorkian to run for office
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/12/art.kevorkian.gi.jpg caption="Kevorkian is planning a bid for Congress."](CNN) - Jack Kevorkian, the assisted suicide advocate currently on parole from prison, is planning a run for Congress, a Detroit newspaper reported Wednesday.
According to the Oakland Press, Kevorkian is planning to mount an independent bid in Michigan's 9th District seat currently occupied by Republican Joe Knollenberg.
"We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington," Kevorkian told the paper. He also said his plans are in the "formative stage" and he would make a formal announcement next week.
Nate Bailey, a spokesman for Knollenberg, told CNN "the congressman is working on turning Michigan’s economy around and bringing jobs to Oakland County...He’s focused on working for the people of Oakland County, not on politics."
The one-time pathologist needs to gather 3,000 signatures in order to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate.
Kevorkian has said he has helped well over 100 people die during the 1990s. In 1998, he was formally convicted on second degree homicide for assisting in the death of Thomas Youk, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease.
He was released from prison on parole in June.
Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca, who was responsible for sending Kevorkian to jail, told the paper he thinks the candidacy is merely a "publicity stunt."
CNN has been unable to get a comment from Kevorkian.
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
do you people even read? he's not running for president. and could you skew your bias a bit? you'd honestly vote in a murderer over a democrat? wow.
QUOTE – Go for it Doc. People should have the right to determine how and when they will die without the naysaying of a bunch of misguided, but well meaning moralists. I guess they would rather prolong a life lived in pain than going on to heaven Go figure.
uhhh...doesn't suicide contradict your whole heaven argument?
People should have a right to die... Maybe the issue can get addressed again since it's a topic that for some reason scares americans...
You are kidding?
Kevorkian for Pres. 2012!!! Let's make it happen!!!!!
There we go! Anyone but Obama!
Im a convicted Felon, and have been for years and I vote all the time! Oh and so is Dog The Bounty Hunter so there!
Good call! They are all criminals anyway.
Jack is NOT a murderer and would probably be a lot more honest and public service-minded than anyone else.
big corporates, especially pharmaceuticals and medical insurance companies, kill unknown number of people every day through their morally bankrupt policies and practices. they may be legal but none the less absolutely immoral.
go tell them on the mountain, jack! go get them all!
to bad he is running for congress not president terry, u ignorant fool.
What's his position on youth in asia?
Obama's running mate............................................
Umm...isn't he dying of liver disease? Didn't he get out of jail early because he was dying?!?! Will he live long enough to even run for office?
What a publicity stunt....
Can't wait to see what Leno does with this tonight . . . .
Being the daughter of not one, but two parents who very, very slowly died of cancer, I can only admire and thank Jack Kevorkian for his self-less service to those he helped to end their horrible suffering. I just wish there will be one like one like him when it's my turn.
I hope none of those who insist on deciding someone else's fate ever have to pray for death, as my mother did for 3 years.
Michigan is cursed!
I think we are located on ancient native burial grounds. (actually, when I think of it...we are...)
I love Dr. Kevorkian, his point is we decide our own quality of life. If you are a religous person, then there is another level there. The man may have ben convicted of murder, but everyone knows that was not the case. I don't want anyone but me to determine what my quality of life is. God loves you Jack
Oh my goodness the Dr. who is out on parole wants to be in our Congress. That does not sound very logical, but this country is full of nuts in our government so why not give him a try.
This has got to be a joke. It just shows that anyone can run for office, now let's see how stupid our nation is on the whole by who they choose to represent them. I'm beyond fed up with politics.
Great go visit nancy p. harry r. and the gang.
If you run for congress in my district, I'll vote for you. After a long month stay in the hospital. you give me an option.
I'M SCARED, HE'S GOT MY VOTE. HE'LL BE A KILLER CAMPAGINER. I'M SURE HE WILL DEBATE THE OTHER PEOPLE TO DEATH.
Amazing that you can't vote if a convicted felon – but you can run for office and make the laws. Of course we remember DC Mayor caught smoking crack with prostitutes – and he got re-elected!
There should be a law against criminals being elected officials – but then we would have to replace 90% of congress!
DR. DEATH WOULDN'T BE WHERE HE IS IF HE WASN'T A KILLER. IF HE WAS A NORMAL WHITE GUY WOULD WE BE TALKING ABOUT HIM. JUST TRYING TO SOUND STUPID LIKE FERRARO.